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Broadcasting Information Bulletin CRTC 2016-59

Coming into force of requirements for a small entry-level basic service and flexible packaging options

The Commission reminds licensed broadcasting distribution undertakings of the new requirements to offer and promote a small entry-level basic service and flexible packaging options coming into force on 1 March 2016.

Introduction

This information bulletin summarizes the new requirements coming into force on 1 March 2016 to maximize choice for Canadians in the selection and packaging of their television services.

The new requirements

In Broadcasting Regulatory Policy 2015-96, the Commission announced that licensed broadcasting distribution undertakings (BDUs) would be required to offer:

a small entry-level basic service; and

all discretionary services on a pick-and-pay basis, as well as in small, reasonably priced packages that can take the form of either a build-your-own-package option or small pre-assembled packages.

The Commission also stated that it would require the entry-level basic service to be promoted in a like manner to the BDU's first-tier offering so that customers are aware of its availability, price and content.

In Broadcasting Regulatory Policy 2015-514, the Commission revised the Broadcasting Distribution Regulations (the Regulations) to implement the requirements to offer an entry-level basic service and flexible packaging options.

Specifically, the Regulations were amended to require all licensed terrestrial and direct-to-home (DTH) BDUs to provide to their subscribers by 1 March 2016 a basic service offering that:

is priced at no more than $25 (not including equipment) per month;

prioritizes Canadian television services by including:

local and regional Canadian television stations and provincial or territorial educational services required under sections 17 and 46 of the Regulations for terrestrial and DTH BDUs respectively,

services designated by the Commission under section 9(1)(h) of the Broadcasting Act for mandatory distribution on the basic service, and

in the case of terrestrial BDUs, the community channel and the proceedings of the provincial legislature in one or both official languages, if offered;

may also include:

in the case of terrestrial BDUs, other Canadian over-the-air (OTA) stations where fewer than 10 local or regional stations are available over the air (to an overall maximum of 10 Canadian OTA stations),